It's been a pleasure bringing you this game. Thanks for joining us today and do join us again for the future games. Goodbye and have a nice day.

Misbah: Afghanistan showed good spirit. They put us on the backfoot early on and I was really surprised at the way they started off. They have some exciting players. Shoaib Malik's contribution in earlier series was useful. He also offers the option of an extra spinner. England are struggling against spin. He also gives out batting a boost in the middle order.

Mangal: Boys played well. Performance was satisfactory. We bowled well and fielded well but the batting was not up to the mark. It was a great experience for us and we thank the crowd for supporting us. It's our first game against a side like Pakistan and if we play more against such sides it will help us. We will take the confidence forward to the World Cup qualifiers. Special thanks to Pakistan Cricket Board for accepting our invitation. I request the ICC to grant us more such opportunities in the future. Thanks to everyone here at the Sharjah stadium.

Afridi: It's a good practice for me for the upcoming games. The boys are doing a great job. The dressing room atmposphere is perfect. Ijaz Ahmad is working hard with me and I'll try to do my level best in batting too.

Shahid Afridi, as expected, is the Man of the Match for his 5/36.

A comprhensive win for Pakistan but they have been made to work for the victory. A commendable show by Afghanistan in their first outing. Their players were spirited right until the last runs were scored and showed a very good attitude on the field. They were not intimidated by some of the big names in the Pakistan side and walk off with heads held high. Presentation coming up in just a bit so do stay on.

37.1

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, FOUR, tossed up and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq goes for the reverse paddle and gets it well wide of short third man to finish things off. Another win for Misbah-ul-Haq and Pakistan.

Mohammad Nabi [5.0-0-25-0] is back into the attack

36.6

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, banged in short by D Zadran, Misbah-ul-Haq pulls it straight to deep square leg and retains the strike with that run

36.5

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, slower one and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq gets back and taps it to cover

36.4

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length and on the off, Misbah-ul-Haq presses forward and pushes it to cover

36.4

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, wide, Another slower one, sliding down the legside though, D Zadran is still trying something

36.3

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, Misbah-ul-Haq backs away a little too far across, D Zadran delivers the slower one and Misbah-ul-Haq ends up tapping it on the offside

36.2

D Zadran to Younis Khan, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Younis Khan runs it down to third man with ease

36.1

D Zadran to Younis Khan, FOUR, Younis Khan shows he can do it too, slightly overpitched and Younis Khan drives it uppishly and wide of mid on for another boundary, very well played that, holds the pose too after hitting it, he obviously enjoyed it a lot

Dawlat Zadran [8.0-2-31-2] is back into the attack

35.6

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, FOUR, Full toss from Zadran and Misbah-ul-Haq gets full toll of it, stays in the crease and smashes it over the bowler's head and down to the long on fence

35.5

Zadran to Younis Khan, 1 run, good length and on the off, Younis Khan taps it in front of point for a quick single

35.4

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, very full, Misbah-ul-Haq smashes it down to long off for another single

35.3

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, SIX, Very good effort from Nabi at long off, Misbah-ul-Haq launched this full one straight down the ground, Nabi ran across and caught it but the momentum took him inside the ropes

35.2

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, the slower one from Zadran, on target too, Misbah-ul-Haq blocks it watchfully

35.1

Zadran to Younis Khan, 1 run, pitched up, Younis Khan drives it hard down the track, hits Zadran on the boot and defelcts to mid wicket, Younis Khan has enough time for a single

Pakistan have to take the batting powerplay now with just 22 runs needed to win.

34.6

H Hotak to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq presses forward and punches it to cover

34.5

H Hotak to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, very full this time, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it back to H Hotak

H Hotak to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, skidding on, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it between cover and point for a single

34.2

H Hotak to Younis Khan, 1 run, floated up and very full, Younis Khan drives it down to long off for an easy single

34.1

H Hotak to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, pushed through quick and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq hangs back and punches it down to sweeper cover

Hamza Hotak [3.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack

33.6

Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, slightly shorter but still angled across, Younis Khan guides it straight to point

33.5

Zadran to Younis Khan, FOUR, Full and wide outside off, Younis Khan leans into the drive superbly and sends it racing through cover, struck really hard

33.4

Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, full and outside off, Younis Khan steers it on the offside but is stopped well at point by Samiullah

33.3

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, full and just outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq prods at it without much footwork, gets a thick inside edge and it runs down to fine leg

33.2

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length and on the off, Misbah-ul-Haq taps it to cover

33.1

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, Zadran slants it across once more, goes past the tentative poke by Misbah-ul-Haq

Drinks are on the field now

32.6

D Zadran to Younis Khan, FOUR, Younis Khan is turning it on here, this was an easy one though, low full toss on the middle and leg, he clips it neatly past mid wicket, timed to perfection too

32.5

D Zadran to Younis Khan, FOUR, Younis Khan brings up his 46th ODI FIFTY with a superb on drive, pitched up and Younis Khan punched it uppishly past mid on for a boundary, top shot

32.4

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, very straight from D Zadran, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it softly in front of mid on and ambles across for a quick single

32.3

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, D Zadran sticks to the outside off line, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall and punches it to point

32.2

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, just outside off again, Misbah-ul-Haq guides it to point

32.1

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it well but is stopped well at cover by Mangal

31.6

Zadran to Younis Khan, FOUR, catch dropped by the keeper, full and wide outside off, Younis Khan slashes hard and gets a thick edge, flies to the right of Shahzad and he gets his hand to it but it does not stick on

31.5

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, short of length and just outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall and taps it wide of point for a quick single

31.4

Zadran to Younis Khan, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Younis Khan reaches out, opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man

31.3

Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall and runs it down to third man

31.2

Zadran to Younis Khan, 1 run, very straight in line, Younis Khan works it wristily through mid wicket for a single to bring up the 50 run stand, the veterans are doing it with ease

31.1

Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, slanted across Younis Khan, just outside off and Younis ends up playing inside the line

Shapoor Zadran [5.0-1-23-0] is back into the attack

30.6

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, MAIDEN OVER from D Zadran, finishes with a good length delivery on the off, Misbah-ul-Haq can only defend

30.5

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, nipping in just a fraction from off, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it to mid on, takes a few paces down the track but Younis Khan sends him back

30.4

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, very straight in line, Misbah-ul-Haq blocks it watchfully on the offside

30.3

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, good length and just outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall and taps it to cover

30.2

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, short of length and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq gets on top of it and chops it to point

30.1

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and in the blockhole, Misbah-ul-Haq jams it out to point

29.6

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, room outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall and punches it to sweeper cover for an easy single

29.5

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, skidding on, Misbah-ul-Haq pushes it on the onside and Nabi rushes across to stop it

29.4

Nabi to Younis Khan, leg byes, 1 run, loud appeal from Nabi as Younis Khan misses the sweep, striking him well outside off though, easy single

29.3

Nabi to Younis Khan, 2 runs, skidding on, kicks up too from the length, Younis Khan eases it square on the offside for a couple

29.2

Nabi to Younis Khan, FOUR, sliding down the legside, Younis Khan was shaping up for the sweep but decides to pullit hard instead as Nabi drags it short, hit with a lot of power too, races to the fine leg fence

29.1

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq goes for the reverse paddle, gets an easy single

Mohammad Nabi [4.0-0-17-0] is back into the attack

28.6

D Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, on the off, Younis Khan defends it solidly

28.5

D Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, short of length and outside off, Younis Khan hops up in the crease and guides it to point

28.4

D Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, good length and on the off, Younis Khan leans forward and defends it solidly

28.3

D Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, full and angled in, Younis Khan punches it firmly to mid on

28.3

D Zadran to Younis Khan, wide, Loud appeal from the keeper but the umpire calls it a wide, replays hsow that it struck him on the thigh as it went down the legside

28.2

D Zadran to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, slanted in by D Zadran, Misbah-ul-Haq works it in the vacant square leg area for an easy single

28.1

D Zadran to Younis Khan, 1 run, great fielding by Mohammad Nabi, very athletic effort, ran a long way to his left at third man, picked it up with one hand and threw it back in to the keeper. It looked a four as Younis Khan edged it down, but Nabi was too good. Super effort from the Afghan

Dawlat Zadran [5.0-1-19-2] is back into the attack

27.6

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, the skiddy flipper on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq gets his bat down in time and defends it to short mid

27.5

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, SIX, now we know why he didn't take the single off the last ball. Flighted leggie on the stumps, Misbah-ul-Haq bends down and slog sweeps it into the stands at deep mid wicket. Waqar on air reckons that someone in the crowd caught that - not so sure about that - need a replay to confirm, doubt we will get one though

27.4

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, again hit to the cover fielder, there was a misfield, but Misbah-ul-Haq doesn't take the single

27.3

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, very full on off, dug out to short cover, straight to the fielder

Shenwari to Younis Khan, FOUR, very short on the stumps and skidding on, Younis Khan rocks back and pulls it just wide of deep mid wicket. For a moment, it looked like Younis had holed out, but he managed to get it wide of the man

26.6

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, floated up and very full outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq tries to jam it out but misses

26.5

Nabi to Younis Khan, 1 run, very straight, Younis Khan gets back and punches it down to long on

26.4

Nabi to Younis Khan, 2 runs, Younis Khan brings out the sweep again but gets a top edge, goes just over short fine leg, gets him a couple

26.3

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, on the leg, Misbah-ul-Haq works it through square leg for another easy single

26.2

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, on the middle and leg, Misbah-ul-Haq turns it to backward square leg

26.1

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, floated up and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq taps it to mid wicket

25.6

Shenwari to Younis Khan, no run, skidding on again, just outside off too, Younis Khan gets back and chops it to cover

25.5

Shenwari to Younis Khan, no run, sliding on, Younis Khan watches it well and blocks

25.4

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, too full, Misbah-ul-Haq comes on the frontfoot and eases it down to long off

25.3

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, tossed up again, Misbah-ul-Haq leans forward and plays it back to Shenwari

25.2

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, floated up, Misbah-ul-Haq presses forward and pushes it to cover

25.1

Shenwari to Younis Khan, 1 run, dragged short by Shenwari, Younis Khan gets back and punches it down to long on

24.6

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, skidding on, Misbah-ul-Haq gets back and plays it to Nabi

24.5

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, very straight, Misbah-ul-Haq taps it to mid wicket

24.4

Nabi to Younis Khan, 1 run, outside off, Younis Khan chops it past point for a quick single

24.3

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, turning in nicely from outside off, Younis Khan tries to jam it out but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads

24.2

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, shooting through low and on the middle and leg, Misbah-ul-Haq stands tall and pushes it down to long on

24.1

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, skidding on and outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq shoulders arms

23.6

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, very full now, Misbah-ul-Haq punches it wristily down to long on for an easy single

23.5

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, pitched up again, Misbah-ul-Haq drives it hard down the track

23.4

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, full and on the off, Misbah-ul-Haq lunges forward to block

23.4

Shenwari to Younis Khan, 2 wides, Shenwari slides down the legside and the keeper misses it

23.3

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, 1 run, width outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq gets back and punches it down to deep extra cover

23.2

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, tossed up nicely, Misbah-ul-Haq lunges forward to block

23.1

Shenwari to Younis Khan, 1 run, a little short and Younis Khan is quick to get back and whip it down to deep mid wicket

22.6

Nabi to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, skidding on and just outside off, Misbah-ul-Haq defends it from the crease

22.5

Nabi to Younis Khan, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Younis Khan sweeps it wide of short fine leg for a quick single

22.4

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, floated up and drawing Younis Khan forward, he looks to drive but is beaten by the sharp turn in, very good reply from Nabi

22.3

Nabi to Younis Khan, FOUR, 'Catch it' was the shout as soon as Younis Khan hit this one but there was no one to take it, overpitched and he sweeps it hard to the square leg fence, did not bother to keep it down

22.2

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, floated up and outside off, Younis Khan reaches out to defend well

22.1

Nabi to Younis Khan, FOUR, a rank long hop from Nabi, short and wide outside off, Younis Khan gets back and across and cuts it fiercely through cover for another boundary

21.6

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, no run, Shenwari beats him now with another slider, Misbah-ul-Haq was going for the cut but it was too close for that shot, misses the off stump by a whisker

21.5

Shenwari to Misbah-ul-Haq, FOUR, Misbah-ul-Haq is welcomed with a gift, short and skidding on, Misbah-ul-Haq rocks back and pulls it hard to the deep mid wicket fence, top shot

Misbah-ul-Haq, right handed bat, comes to the crease

21.4

Shenwari to Imran Farhat, out Caught&Bowled!! Shenwari strikes in his very first over, a very soft dismissal too, Imran Farhat has thrown away a good start, a short one from Shenwari and skidding on, Imran Farhat goes back and punches it uppishly and straight back to Shenwari who accepts it with glee, goes for a small jog with arms outstretched in complete joy. Imran Farhat c and b Shenwari 52(67) [4s-9]

Shenwari to Imran Farhat, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!

21.3

Shenwari to Imran Farhat, no run, this one turns in sharply from outside off, Imran Farhat is caught by surprise and gets a thick inside edge onto the pads

21.2

Shenwari to Imran Farhat, no run, sliding on again, Imran Farhat goes back for the cut but misses

21.1

Shenwari to Imran Farhat, no run, skidding on outside off, Imran Farhat taps it to point

Samiullah Shenwari, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

20.6

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, on the off, Younis Khan defends it softly

The two have a long chat at the end of it.

20.5

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, more confisuion between Younis Khan and Imran Farhat, Younis Khan pushes this wide of mid wicket and was going for the sinhgle but Imran Farhat stops mid way seeing the fielder dive across, Younis Khan has to turn back and run more than half the track to get back home

20.4

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, Confusion between the two in the middle, Younis Khan taps this in front of cover and was going for a quick single but Imran Farhat refuses it, good call too

20.3

Nabi to Younis Khan, no run, tossed up again and outside off, Younis Khan taps it softly on the onside

20.2

Nabi to Imran Farhat, 1 run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat punches it down to long off

20.1

Nabi to Younis Khan, 1 run, tossed up and on the off, Younis Khan shuffle across and whips it down to deep backward square

Mohammad Nabi, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

19.6

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, FOUR, Imran Farhat is toying with H Hotak, pitched up and turning in, he stands tall and flicks it nicely through mid wicket for a boundary and brings up his 11th ODI FIFTY in great style, he started tentatively but has moved past that period and is in total control now

19.5

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, no run, short and skidding on, Imran Farhat cuts hard but straight to the fielder at point

19.4

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, no run, floated up and well outside off, Imran Farhat drives it to cover

19.3

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, FOUR, This is an even better shot from Imran Farhat, not so great from H Hotak, on the middle and leg and Imran Farhat sweeps it nicely between backward square and short fine leg, perfectly placed

19.2

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, no run, tossed up and on the off, Imran Farhat defends it solidly

19.1

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, FOUR, Swept very hard by Imran Farhat, the fuller one and he was into position very early, there was a man at backward square leg but he was a mere spectator, top shot

18.6

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, 2 runs, on the middle and leg, Younis Khan whips it hard in the vacant backward square leg area for an easy couple

18.5

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Imran Farhat leans into the drive and sends it to sweeper cover

18.4

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, 1 run, right in the blockhole, Younis Khan cannot do much about it, digs it out to cover

18.4

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, no ball, 1 run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat taps it on the offside for a quick single, Mirwais Ashraf has overstepped as well, free hit coming up

18.3

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, FOUR, catch dropped by the captain Mangal at mid on, costly miss this, Imran Farhat was going for the big one but did not time it too well, goes just over mid on and the skipper leaped up and got both hands to it but it does not stick on

18.2

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, no run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat taps it to cover

18.1

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, 1 run, close call for Younis Khan, he pushed it hard in front of mid on and calls for the quick single, error in judgement though, the throw is fired in at the non striker's end, Younis Khan had to put in the dive but a direct hit would have caught him short anyway

17.6

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, no run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat pushes it to cover again

17.5

H Hotak to Imran Farhat, no run, flat and fired into the pads, Imran Farhat gets behind the line and blocks

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, 1 run, drives it to sweeper cover, this time the fielder is quick and prevents the 2nd

13.3

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, no run, big inside edge on that as Imran Farhat searched for the ball. Simon Taufel negates the LBW appeal with a smile on his face

13.2

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, FOUR, too short from Sadiq, Imran Farhat rocks back and thumps it, beats a despairing dive from the sweeper cover running to his left. That was hit really hard and gave the fielder no chance

13.1

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, no run, fraction short outside off, cut to point

12.6

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, no run, pitched up outside off, driven straight to the fielder at mid off

12.5

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, no run, turned to mid on, mid wicket comes around to prevent the single

12.4

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, no run, yorker length delivery on off, Younis Khan digs it out back past Mirwais Ashraf and mid on prevents the quick single this time

12.3

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, 1 run, another good single taken as Imran Farhat opens the face of the bat and guides it wide of cover. Quick single taken again

12.2

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, 1 run, brilliant presence of mind from Younis Khan, drops it in front of mid on and takes off. The response from Imran Farhat is good as well. Easily done in the end

12.1

Mirwais Ashraf to Younis Khan, no run, good length delivery angling in to middle, Younis Khan turns it to short mid, straight to the fielder

11.6

Sadiq to Younis Khan, 1 run, flat again and on the leg, Younis Khan drives it down to long on for another easy single, retains the strike with that run

11.5

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, 1 run, flat and on the middle and leg from round the wicket, Imran Farhat punches it down to long on

11.4

Sadiq to Younis Khan, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Younis Khan turns it down to deep mid wicket for an easy single

11.3

Sadiq to Younis Khan, no run, floated up and skidding on, Younis Khan plays for the turn but misses it completely, acknowledges the good delivery with a nod of the head

11.2

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, 1 run, short and outside off, Imran Farhat leans back and cuts it hard to deep point for oa single

11.1

Sadiq to Imran Farhat, no run, sliding on, no real turn at all, cbay punches it to mid wicket

Karim Sadiq, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

10.6

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, 1 run, good length and just outside off, Imran Farhat leans back and taps it between cover and point for a quick single

10.5

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, no run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat punches it to cover

10.5

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, wide, slanted across by Mirwais Ashraf, the umpire thought for a long while before calling it a wide, a marginal call

10.4

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, no run, better line and length from Mirwais Ashraf, just outside off and moving away, beats the bat and swings after passing the batsman, loud appeal from the keeper but the umpire turns it down

10.3

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, FOUR, Mirwais Ashraf does not have the pace of the two who started off, he cannot afford to provide width at his pace, smashed on the frontfoot past cover by Imran Farhat

Mirwais Ashraf to Imran Farhat, no run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat leans forward and punches it firmly to mid off

Mirwais Ashraf, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

9.6

D Zadran to Younis Khan, no run, short of length and outside off, Younis Khan stands tall and knocks it down in front of point

Younis Khan, right handed bat, comes to the crease

9.5

D Zadran to Shafiq, out Lbw!! Plumb in front, was beaten by the one slanting in, very full too, he was looking to flick it on the onside but was a little late on the shot, falls over too after playing but was struck low on the pads in front of middle and off, D Zadran has his second and screams in delight. Shafiq lbw b D Zadran 20(21) [4s-5]

D Zadran to Shafiq, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

9.4

D Zadran to Shafiq, no run, short of length and kicking up, Shafiq drops it down in front of mid wicket and was looking for the quick single but Imran Farhat does not respond

9.3

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, 1 run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat reaches out and steers it wide of point, has enough time for a single

9.2

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, FOUR, The slips had been removed and it flies through exactly that area as Imran Farhat slashes hard at a full one, third man did not have a chance of stopping it

9.1

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, full and on the off, Imran Farhat pushes it down the track

8.6

Zadran to Shafiq, FOUR, good length and just outside off, Shafiq taps it in front of point and was looking for the quick single, the fielder comes in quickly and has a shy at the stumps at the striker's end, no one backing up and it races to the fence, Zadran is not at all pleased

8.5

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, full and outside off, Shafiq presses forward and drives it well but cannot find the gap, straight to cover

8.4

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, angled across again, Shafiq stays back and watches it into the keeper's gloves

Two men close in now on the offside for the uppish drive. A short point and a short cover.

8.3

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, full and outside off, Shafiq leans forward and punches it to mid off

8.2

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, slanted across, Shafiq pokes out at it loosely but is beaten

8.1

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, full and just outside off, Shafiq stretches forward and defends it solidly

7.6

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, short of length and skidding on, Imran Farhat is hurried up and misses the flick and is struck on the thigh

7.5

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, pitched up, stops on Imran Farhat a bit too, he pushes hard at it and ends up chipping it softly in front of mid off, that could have easily gone into the hands of anyone close in on the offside

7.4

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, good length and just outside off, Imran Farhat does not offer a shot

7.3

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, full and wide outside off, Imran Farhat slashes hard but straight to point

7.2

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, good length and on the off, Imran Farhat stands tall and blocks it solidly

7.1

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, full and outside off, Imran Farhat opens the face and drives it to point

6.6

Zadran to Shafiq, FOUR, short of length and outside off, Shafiq cuts it into the ground and past the man diving across at point, the man from cover gives it a good chase and makes a sprawling dive but the ball beats him to the fence

6.5

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, good length and just outside off, Shafiq stays back and taps it to point

6.4

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, slanted across again, Shafiq leaves once more

6.3

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, angled across, Shafiq watches it well and shoulders arms

6.2

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, very straight, Shafiq stands tall and defends it solidly

6.1

Zadran to Imran Farhat, 1 run, angled in, Imran Farhat taps it in front of mid on and goes for the quick single, the bat sticks onto the ground as he tries to slide it in at the non striker's end, a direct hit but Imran Farhat was well in

A direct hit and Afghanistan appeal hard. Third umpire called for.

5.6

D Zadran to Shafiq, no run, pitched up, Shafiq stands tall and punches it to mid on

5.5

D Zadran to Shafiq, FOUR, full and slanted into the pads, Shafiq rolls his wrists over it and flicks it firmly wide of the man at fine leg

5.4

D Zadran to Shafiq, FOUR, the slower one from D Zadran, Shafiq backs away, clears the frontfoot and slogs it through mid wicket, not the best timing but still has enough on it to reach the fence

5.4

D Zadran to Shafiq, no ball, D Zadran oversteps as he goes for some extra pace, free hit coming up

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, full and wide outside off, Imran Farhat reaches out and drives hard but is stopped well at point

5.1

D Zadran to Imran Farhat, no run, Flash and a miss, angled across Imran Farhat and he went hard at it but makes no contact

4.6

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, full and just outside off, Shafiq punches it to mid off

4.5

Zadran to Shafiq, FOUR, pitched up again by Zadran, Shafiq leans forward and drives it sweetly through cover, a valiant effort at the fielder at cover but it goes in vain, off the mark with a boundary

4.4

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, on the fuller side now and outside off, Shafiq reaches out and pushes it to mid off

4.3

Zadran to Shafiq, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, Shafiq stays back and blocks it solidly

4.2

Zadran to Imran Farhat, 1 run, slanted in again, Imran Farhat turns it wide of mid wicket for a quick single

4.1

Zadran to Imran Farhat, FOUR, full and on the leg, easy pickings for Imran Farhat, manages to get some bat on it and races past the diving keeper to the fine leg fence

Asad Shafiq, right handed bat, comes to the crease

3.6

D Zadran to Hafeez, out Bowled!! D Zadran pumps his fists in delight, he was troubling him with the ones coming in, this was one more of the same, extra bounce too and Hafeez was late on the shot, gets an inside edge and it thuds into the stumps, big wicket for Afghanistan. Hafeez b D Zadran 8(17) [4s-1]

Zadran to Hafeez, 1 run, angled across, just outside off, Hafeez was looking to work it on the onside but gets a thick leading edge that flies through the vacant gully area, just a single

0.5

Zadran to Hafeez, no run, slanted across again, Hafeez pokes out but misses it by a mile, has a wide smile on his face after playing it

0.4

Zadran to Hafeez, no run, good length and just outside off, Hafeez stands tall and plays it back to Zadran

0.3

Zadran to Hafeez, no run, Excellent reply from Zadran, short of length and slanted across, Hafeez has a poke out but is beaten comprehensively

0.2

Zadran to Hafeez, FOUR, banged in short again by Zadran, too short though and no real pace on it, Hafeez rocks back and pulls it with elan through mid wicket to get off the mark, was in absolute control of that one

0.1

Zadran to Hafeez, no run, short of length and outside off, Hafeez skips up and pulls it in front of square leg, good stop by the fielder there

Hafeez and Imran Farhat are at the crease. Hafeez is on strike. Zadran will open the attack

A spirited show from Afghanistan. Their batsmen were fearless against their famed opponents but the guile of Shahid Afridi proved to be a little too much. Karim Sadiq, their top scorer, looked the most comfortable amongst the batsmen but he failed to make the start count. Pakistan will be looking to chase down the target with ease. Can Afghanistan pull off a suprise? Join us in a short while to find out.

48.3

Riaz to H Hotak, out Caught by Umar Akmal!! Very similar to the previous delivery, H Hotak skips down the track and ends up yorking himself, he tries to jam it out but gets a thin edge through to the keeper. H Hotak c Umar Akmal b Riaz 0(6)

Riaz to H Hotak, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

48.2

Riaz to H Hotak, no run, full and slanted across H Hotak, he pushes at it but misses, loud appeal from Akmal but Riaz does not join in

48.1

Riaz to Zadran, 1 run, full and on the off, Zadran smashes it down to long on for an easy single

47.6

Umar Gul to H Hotak, no run, full and on the off, H Hotak punches it straight to mid off

47.5

Umar Gul to H Hotak, no run, good length and well outside off, H Hotak goes for the drive but misses it completely

47.4

Umar Gul to H Hotak, no run, right in the blockhole, H Hotak manages to dig it out well

47.3

Umar Gul to Zadran, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Zadran punches it to the man at deep point for an easy single

47.2

Umar Gul to Zadran, no run, full and outside off, Zadran punches it to cover

Shapoor Zadran, left handed bat, comes to the crease

47.1

Umar Gul to Shenwari, out Lbw!! The ball has raced to the boundary but Shenwari has to walk back, his long vigil comes to an end, a full toss from Umar Gul and he was trying to paddle it finel, misses and is struck on the back leg in front of off, easy call for Simon Taufel. Shenwari lbw b Umar Gul 32(68) [4s-4]

Umar Gul to Shenwari, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

46.6

Riaz to H Hotak, no run, Very close to being a wide that one, well outside off and flirts with guideline outside off, H Hotak is not too pleased that it was not called a wide

Hamza Hotak, right handed bat, comes to the crease

46.5

Riaz to D Zadran, out Bowled!! The middle stump has been sent for a spin, full and straight from Riaz, D Zadran was backing away to force it on the offside but misses it completely, great sight for a fast bowler and Riaz gets his first wicket. D Zadran b Riaz 12(19) [6s-1]

Riaz to D Zadran, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

46.4

Riaz to Shenwari, 1 run, very full and on the off, Shenwari taps it in front of mid off for one more

46.3

Riaz to D Zadran, 1 run, short and wide outside off, D Zadran slashes hard again, thick edge down to third man for another single

46.2

Riaz to Shenwari, 1 run, in the blockhole outside off, Shenwari digs it out towards point for a quick single

46.1

Riaz to Shenwari, FOUR, Full and wide outside off, Shenwari slashes hard at it and gets a thick outside edge, flies down to the third man fence and gets Afghanistan a much needed boundary

Wahab Riaz [8.0-1-29-0] is back into the attack

45.6

Umar Gul to D Zadran, no run, the slower one from Umar Gul, D Zadran stretches forward and blocks it solidly

45.5

Umar Gul to Shenwari, 1 run, full and on the off, Shenwari pushes it in front of mid off and takes a sharp single

45.4

Umar Gul to Shenwari, no run, good length and just outside off, Shenwari punches it to point

45.3

Umar Gul to D Zadran, 1 run, pitched up, D Zadran makes some room and plays it to cover, Misbah has a shy at the striker's end , misses and allows them the single

45.2

Umar Gul to D Zadran, no run, the slower one from Umar Gul, D Zadran tries to force it through the offside but finds cover

45.1

Umar Gul to D Zadran, no run, very full and just outside off, D Zadran jams it out to cover

Umar Gul [6.0-0-27-1] is back into the attack

44.6

Ajmal to D Zadran, 1 run, on the off, D Zadran opens the face and taps it in the vacant point area for one more

44.5

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, floated up on the leg, D Zadran gets his frontfoot out of the way to defend it well

44.4

Ajmal to D Zadran, 2 runs, pushed through fuller and outside off, D Zadran reaches out and gets it in the outside half of the bat, goes wel wide of third man and gets him two

44.3

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, quicker and right on target, D Zadran pushes it back to Ajmal

44.2

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, the doosra from Ajmal, D Zadran read it well, hangs back and defends it

44.1

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, floated up outside off, D Zadran pushes it in front of point, Shenwari was racing across for a quick single but D Zadran turns it down

43.6

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, on the leg, Shenwari turns it straight to short fine leg

43.5

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, sliding on once more, Shenwari is struck on the thigh, muted appeal from Shahid Afridi but it was going down the legside

43.4

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, skidding on, Shenwari taps it on the onside

43.3

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, FOUR, Shahid Afridi's turn to get reverse swept, Shenwari falls over comically after playing it but connected it beautifully to send it to the point fence

43.2

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, flighted well outside off, Shenwari reaches out and tries to go inside out over cover, gets an inside edge and it rolls past the stumps

43.1

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, fired into the pads, Shenwari turns it straight to the fielder at short fine leg

42.6

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, on the middle and leg again from round the wicket, D Zadran turns it softly on the onside

42.5

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, flat and on the middle and leg, D Zadran defends it watchfully

42.4

Ajmal to D Zadran, SIX, D Zadran reckons he has had enough of a sighter, sees an overpitched delivery and plays an agricultural hoick over mid wicket, not timed too well but still carries well over the ropes

A silly point and a slip in place.

42.3

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, on the off, D Zadran presses forward and blocks it well

42.2

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, flat and skidding on from round the wicket, too good for D Zadran and he is beaten comprehensively

42.1

Ajmal to D Zadran, no run, floated on the middle and leg, D Zadran lunges forward to block

41.6

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, tossed up and outside off, Shenwari comes on the frontfoot and defends it gently to cover

41.6

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, wide, fired in by Shahid Afridi, down the legside though

41.5

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, FOUR, pitched up by Shahid Afridi, Shenwari was in position early to play the sweep, middles it superbly and right in the gap through square leg

41.4

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, nicely flighted by Shahid Afridi, the googly again, turns in well and sstrikes Shenwari on the pads outside off as he was stretching out

41.3

Shahid Afridi to D Zadran, 1 run, full and outside off, D Zadran reaches out and pushes it wide of point for a quick single

Dawlat Zadran, right handed bat, comes to the crease

41.2

Shahid Afridi to Mirwais Ashraf, out Lbw!! Eighth five-fer in ODIs for Shahid Afridi, that was as plumb as it gets, the googly turns in sharply and Mirwais Ashraf did not pick it, was on the backfoot to play it but it shoots through and strikes him in front of middle and leg. Mirwais Ashraf lbw b Shahid Afridi 12(27) [4s-2]

Shahid Afridi to Mirwais Ashraf, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

41.1

Shahid Afridi to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, tossed up and on the off, Mirwais Ashraf drives it back to Shahid Afridi

Afridi in search of yet another five-fer in ODIs.

Shahid Afridi [8.0-0-26-4] is back into the attack

40.6

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, skidding on from round the wicket, Shenwari tries to tap it on the offside but was playing for turn, misses it as a result and it misses the outside edge by a whisker

40.5

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, 1 run, a little too short from Ajmal, allows Mirwais Ashraf to get back and punch it wide of cover

40.4

Ajmal to Shenwari, 1 run, quicker and fuller outside off, Shenwari places it in the gap square on the offside for an easy single

40.3

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, the doosra now, pitches well outside leg and turns to strike Shenwari on the pads

40.2

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, 1 run, skidding on outside off, Mirwais Ashraf plays it late and uses the pace to send it to third man

40.1

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, flighted from round the wicket, Mirwais Ashraf works it to mid wicket

39.6

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, leg byes, 1 run, short and on the leg, Mirwais Ashraf tries to whip it on the onside but misses and is struck on the thigh, still gets one for it

39.5

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, straighter in line, Mirwais Ashraf taps it softly to the right of Riaz

39.4

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, Mirwais Ashraf chases one outside off and is beaten yet again, muted appeal from behind the stumps but the umpire is not interested

39.3

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, full and on the off, Mirwais Ashraf pushes it to mid off

39.2

Riaz to Shenwari, 1 run, slanted across, just outside off, Shenwari plays it very late and runs it down to third man

39.1

Riaz to Shenwari, no run, full and outside off, Shenwari comes on the frontfoot and punches it to cover

38.6

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, a low full toss on the off, Mirwais Ashraf clears his frontofoot and drives firmly but straight to mid off

38.5

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, the doosra again, is picked by Mirwais Ashraf, he allows it to turn and guides it to point

38.4

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, full and on the middle and leg, Mirwais Ashraf plays it watchfully back to Ajmal

38.3

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, FOUR, the change in angle does not produce any wonders for Ajmal, full and wide outside off, Mirwais Ashraf reaches out and opens the face of the bat at the last moment to get it between short third man and point, top shot]

Ajmal goes round the wicket now.

38.2

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, FOUR, Flat doosra from Ajmal, dragged a little too short, Mirwais Ashraf has enough time to get back and guide it neatly past short third man for a boundary, nicely done

38.1

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, going straight on, Mirwais Ashraf gets back and eases it to point

37.6

Riaz to Shenwari, no run, pitched up and moving across, Shenwari has a poke at it but does not make contact, bounces just in front of Akmal too but he manages to stop it well

37.5

Riaz to Shenwari, no run, short of length and on the off, Shenwari gets up on his toes to push it to point

37.4

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, 1 run, Riaz errs in line, on the leg and easy pickings for Mirwais Ashraf as he whips it down to fine leg

37.3

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Mirwais Ashraf leans forward and pushes it to cover

37.2

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, short and wide outside off, Mirwais Ashraf tries the cut but misses yet again

37.1

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, good length and on the off, Mirwais Ashraf stays behind the line and pushes it back to Riaz

36.6

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, 1 run, floated up, Mirwais Ashraf comes on the frontfoot and punches it down to long off

36.5

Ajmal to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, tossed up and outside off, Mirwais Ashraf defends it solidly

36.4

Ajmal to Shenwari, leg byes, 3 runs, Shenwari brings out the reverse sweep, misses this one too and is struck on the back leg, rolss down very fine and the appeal does not interest the umpire, it was turning down the legside

36.3

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, the doosra now, fools Shenwari completely but he manages to get his bat down in front of the pads, the thin edge does not carry to slip

36.2

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, flatter and quicker, turns in nicely and strikes him on the thigh this time, he looks all at sea against Ajmal

36.1

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, turning in sharply from outside off, Shenwari presses forward to defend but misses and is struck on the pads outside off

Saeed Ajmal [5.0-1-11-0] is back into the attack

35.6

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, Another one goes past the bat, full and wide outside off, Mirwais Ashraf tries to force it through cover but was nowhere close to it

35.5

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, very straight this time, hurries onto Mirwais Ashraf who gets the bat down very late to defend

35.4

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, Riaz keeps it well outside off, no shot offered now by Mirwais Ashraf

35.3

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, slanted across again, well outside off, Mirwais Ashraf has a swing again but does not make contact this time either

35.2

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Mirwais Ashraf defends it watchfully towards cover

35.1

Riaz to Mirwais Ashraf, no run, slanted across from over the wicket, Mirwais Ashraf slashes hard but misses it completely

34.6

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, floated outside off, Shenwari opens the face and guides it to point

34.5

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, full and straight, Shenwari punches it back to Hafeez

Mirwais Ashraf, right handed bat, comes to the crease

34.4

Hafeez to Shenwari, out Nabi Run Out!! Nabi will be a very disappointed man, gets out to a silly piece of running after having done all the hard work, Shenwari had played this wide of square leg and Nabi was rushing across for a quick single, Shenwari turns him down but it was too late, Younis swoops in from square leg and fires in an accurate throw to Hafeez who whips off the bails, Nabi is well short despite a dive and it is easy work for the third umpire.] Nabi run out (Younis Khan/Hafeez) 37(56) [6s-2]

Hafeez to Shenwari, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

34.3

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, skidding on, outside off, Shenwari puhses at it but is beaten

34.2

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, tossed up and outside off, Shenwari leans forward and plays it back to Hafeez

34.1

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, flat and straight, Shenwari blocks it watchfully

33.6

Riaz to Nabi, no run, good length and just outside off, Nabi gets back and guides it straight to point

33.5

Riaz to Shenwari, 1 run, slightly fuller and outside off, allows Shenwari to come on the frontfoot and punch it to sweeper cover

33.4

Riaz to Shenwari, no run, Beauty from Riaz, pitches on the leg and nips away shaprly and beats Shenwari's prod outside off, too good for him

33.3

Riaz to Shenwari, no run, very straight from Riaz, Shenwari can do nothing but defend

33.2

Riaz to Nabi, 1 run, good length and just outside off, Nabi stays back and pushes it nicely between cover and point for an easy single

33.1

Riaz to Nabi, no run, on the middle and leg, Nabi turns it straight to mid wicket

Wahab Riaz [4.0-0-25-0] is back into the attack

32.6

Hafeez to Nabi, 1 run, turning in slowly, Nabi has enough time to get back and punch it down to long on

32.5

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, fired in and very straight, Nabi punches it back to Hafeez

32.4

Hafeez to Shenwari, 1 run, outside off, Shenwari gets back and punches it to the man at deep point

32.3

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, flat again and skidding on, Shenwari taps it in front of cover

32.2

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, on the leg, Shenwari hangs back and blocks it solidly

32.1

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, flat and on the leg, Shenwari turns it straight to square leg

31.6

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, no run, on the off, Nabi plays it watchfully back to Shoaib Malik

31.5

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, 1 run, room outside off, Shenwari plays it late and steers it square on the offside for another easy single

31.4

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, skidding on, Shenwari gets back and pushes it to cover

31.3

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, 1 run, flat and on the leg, Nabi works it neatly through square leg

31.2

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, SIX, Excellent lofted shot from Nabi skips down the track and smashes it with the turn over the long on fence and into his team's dressing room!

31.1

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, 1 run, good turn for Shoaib Malik, Shenwari gets a thickish inside edge and it rolls in the square leg area

30.6

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, on the middle and leg now, Nabi plays it straight to square leg

30.5

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, very full, Nabi punches it firmly back to Hafeez

30.4

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, tossed up and turning in, Nabi lunges forward and defends it solidly

30.3

Hafeez to Shenwari, 1 run, pitched up and outside off, Shenwari allows it to get to him and steers it to deep point

30.2

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, flat and very full, Shenwari hangs back and blocks it once more

30.1

Hafeez to Shenwari, no run, turning in from outside off, Shenwari pushes it back to Hafeez

29.6

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, 2 runs, Very good running between the two, skidding on outside off and Nabi chops it through cover, sweeper cover comes in quickly and fires in the throw at the non striker's end but Shenwari was well in

29.5

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Shenwari gets back and turns it in the vacant square leg area for an easy single

29.4

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, outside off now, Shenwari pushes it to point

29.3

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, full and straight, Shenwari pushesit back to Shoaib Malik

29.2

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, fired into the pads, Shenwari turns it to mid wicket

29.1

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, on the middle and leg, Shenwari defends it solidly

28.6

Hafeez to Shenwari, 1 run, on the off, Shenwari pushes it wide of cover for a quick single

28.5

Hafeez to Nabi, 1 run, outside off, Nabi taps it to point for a quick single

28.4

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, tossed up and outside off, Nabi blocks it well

28.4

Hafeez to Nabi, wide, Hafeez slides it down the legside

28.3

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, skidding on and very full, Nabi plays it softly to cover

28.2

Hafeez to Nabi, no run, floated up and on the off, Nabi turns it straight to square leg

28.1

Hafeez to Nabi, 2 runs, pitched up by Hafeez, Nabi gets across and paddles it very fine and rushes back for the second, very good running

Mohammad Hafeez [3.0-0-20-0] is back into the attack

27.6

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, 1 run, pitched up, Nabi comes on the frontfoot and drives it down to long off for one

27.5

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, no run, turning in, Nabi plays it with the turn to mid wicket

27.4

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, 1 run, outside off, Shenwari taps it wide of cover for a quick single

27.3

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, FOUR, Shenwari brings out the reverse sweep now, a very good one too, gets it perfectly in the gap wide of third man, one bounce and over the ropes

27.2

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, floated up outside off, Shenwari comes on the frontfoot and pushes it down the track

27.1

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, good turn and bounce for Shoaib Malik from just outside off, Shenwari tries to guide it on the offside but misses

26.6

Umar Gul to Nabi, no run, Confusion again between the two batsmen, Nabi was coming down the track for a quick single after pushing it wide of cover, Shenwari turns it down again and Nabi has to rush back to make his ground

26.5

Umar Gul to Nabi, no run, very straight in line, Nabi gets behind the line and turns it straight to mid wicket

26.4

Umar Gul to Shenwari, 1 run, good length and just outside off, Shenwari stays back and pushes it past point for an easy single

26.3

Umar Gul to Nabi, 1 run, very full and on the off, Nabi drives it firmly wide of mid off and scampers across for a sharp single

26.2

Umar Gul to Nabi, no run, just outside off, Nabi taps it to the right of point and was interested in the quick single but Shenwari turns it down

26.1

Umar Gul to Nabi, no run, pitched up and outside off, Nabi comes on the frontfoot and punches it to cover

25.6

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, 1 run, full again, Nabi leans forward and drives it down to long off

25.5

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, 2 runs, given a lot of air and overpitched too, Nabi comes on the frontfoot and drives it nicely through cover, long off runs across to cut out the boundary

25.4

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Shenwari plays it with soft hands wide of point and takes a sharp single

25.3

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, floated up and outside off, Shenwari bends forward and pushes it to cover

25.2

Shoaib Malik to Shenwari, no run, skidding on outside off, Shenwari opens the face to guide it to short third man

25.1

Shoaib Malik to Nabi, 1 run, a loosener from Shoaib Malik, flighted and well outside off, Nabi taps it in the vacant point area for a quick single

Shoaib Malik, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

24.6

Umar Gul to Nabi, 1 run, the slower one from Umar Gul, very full too, Nabi waits just a little bit more and pushes it in front of long on to retain strike

24.5

Umar Gul to Nabi, no run, Umar Gul tries out the yorker, does not get it right though, a low full toss and Nabi punches it straight to cover

The physio walks out to treat Nabi. He was down for a few moments but gets up quickly to face up once more.

24.4

Umar Gul to Nabi, no run, A good, sharp bouncer from Umar Gul, Nabi tries to get away from the line but it follows him and strikes him on the shoulder, that would definitely hurt

24.3

Umar Gul to Shenwari, 1 run, full and outside off, Shenwari comes on the frontfoot and punches it through cover

24.2

Umar Gul to Shenwari, no run, right in the blockhole from Umar Gul, Shenwari digs it out well towards cover

24.1

Umar Gul to Nabi, 1 run, good length and just outside off, Nabi pushes it between cover and point for a quick single

Umar Gul [4.0-0-22-1] is back into the attack

23.6

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, full and outside off, Shenwari punches it to cover

23.5

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, leg byes, 1 run, fired in on the leg, Nabi misses the flick and it hits him on the pads before rolling wide of square leg

23.4

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, flighted and well outside off, Nabi reaches out and drives to cover

23.3

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, tossed up and on the off, Nabi defends it watchfully

23.2

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, flat and on the middle and leg, Nabi turns it to mid wicket

23.1

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, SIX, Nabi is taking on Shahid Afridi, shimmies down the track to get to the pitch of the flighted delivery and smashes it cleanly over long on, tops hot

22.6

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, skidding on and on the off, Shenwari gets a good stride forward and defends again

22.5

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, flighted from outside off, Shenwari taps it to short leg once more

22.4

Ajmal to Shenwari, no run, skidding on, extra bounce too, Shenwari presses forward and plays it to point

22.3

Ajmal to Nabi, 1 run, tossed up and on the middle and leg, Nabi plays it uppishly and past short leg, easy single taken

22.2

Ajmal to Nabi, no run, turning in from off, Nabi waits for it and turns it to short leg

22.1

Ajmal to Nabi, no run, flat and on the off, Nabi stands tall and pushes it down the track

21.6

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, floated up outside off, the googly yet again, Shenwari reaches out and taps it softly on the onside

21.5

Shahid Afridi to Shenwari, no run, slower through the air and on the off, Shenwari blocks it well

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, out Lbw!! Number four for Shahid Afridi, Taufel's finger was up in a flash, the googly from Shahid Afridi, turns in from just outside off and G Naib was playing down the wrong line, turns past the bat and strikes him low on the pads in front of off, Afghanistan slip further. G Naib lbw b Shahid Afridi 7(23) [4s-1]

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

21.2

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, FOUR, Very good timing from G Naib once more, Shahid Afridi did help him by pushing it through quicker and on the middle and leg, G Naib gets back and punches it nicely past short leg

21.1

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, no run, fired in on the leg, G Naib gets a soft leading edge to cover as it turns away sharply

20.6

Ajmal to Nabi, no run, tossed up and on the off, defended watchfully by Nabi

20.5

Ajmal to G Naib, 1 run, turning in, G Naib turns it down to fine leg for an easy single

20.4

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, the doosra now, just outside off, G Naib does not pick it and is beaten comprehensively

20.3

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, loud appeal but the umpire turns it down, flat and fired into the pads, raps him on the same and lobs up to short leg

20.2

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, tossed up and outside off, G Naib taps it gently to short leg

20.1

Ajmal to Nabi, 1 run, very good running, Nabi taps it just in front of point and G Naib was off the blocks in a flash

19.6

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, 1 run, flighted again, Nabi gets across quickly and laps it down to fine leg to retain strike

19.5

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, going straight on again and well outside off too, Nabi fancies the cut but makes no contact

19.4

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, 1 run, skidding on, G Naib comes on the frontfoot and works it to deep mid wicket once more

19.3

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, no run, flighted up tantalisingly outside off, G Naib does not go after it

19.2

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, 1 run, pitched up, Nabi gets right on top and turns it wristily down to deep mid wicket

19.2

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, wide, Shahid Afridi slides down the legside now

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, flat and going straight on, G Naib guides it straight to the fielder at point, end of a MAIDEN OVER

18.5

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, on the middle and leg now, G Naib turns it to square leg

18.4

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, flatter and turning in from outside off, G Naib gets back and pushes it back down the track

18.3

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, pitched up again, G Naib stays in the crease and defends it

18.2

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, floated up and on the middle and leg, G Naib gets the bat in front of the pads and plays it to Ajmal once more

18.1

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, skidding on, a little short too, G Naib hangs back and plays it back to Ajmal

17.6

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, full and on the off, Nabi comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to cover

17.5

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, Shahid Afridi gives it a lot of air and gets some good drift, turns away too sharply and beats the defense

17.4

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, 1 run, slower through the air, G Naib waits for it and punches it down to long on

17.3

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, no run, quicker one and on target, G Naib turns this to mid wicket once more

17.2

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, no run, floated up, the googly too, G Naib reaches out and taps it in front of mid wicket

17.1

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, 1 run, flat and on the middle and leg, Nabi turns it to deep square leg for an easy single

16.6

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, on the middle and leg, G Naib defends it softly on the onside

16.5

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, Edged but it does not carry to slip, the doosra from Ajmal, G Naib does not pick it and ends up poking inside the line, got a healthy edge but it falls just short of Younis at first slip

16.4

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, skidding on and outside off, G Naib taps it to cover

16.3

Ajmal to G Naib, no run, tossed up and on the middle and leg, G Naib presses forward and pushes it back down the track

16.2

Ajmal to Nabi, 1 run, turning in, Nabi works it from middle and turns it down to fine leg, just a single

16.1

Ajmal to Nabi, no run, nicely flighted and well outside off, Nabi stretches forward to block well

Saeed Ajmal [1.0-0-7-0] is back into the attack

15.6

Shahid Afridi to G Naib, no run, full and straight, G Naib gets behind the line and plays it back to Shahid Afridi

Gulbodin Naib, right handed bat, comes to the crease

15.5

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, out Caught by Umar Akmal!! No stopping Shahid Afridi here, gets his man, floated up and well outside off, Sadiq reaches out to drive through cover but gets a thin edge, Umar stays low and takes a good catch, end of a good knock from Sadiq. Sadiq c Umar Akmal b Shahid Afridi 40(47) [4s-2 6s-2]

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

15.4

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, no run, tossed up and outside off, Sadiq defends it watchfully this tim

15.3

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, byes, FOUR, More action, this one hits the leg stump but the bails are not dislodged, Umar Akmal cannot believe it, the googly fooled Sadiq completely, goes through the defence, kisses the leg stump and races to the fence

15.2

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, 1 run, skidding on, Nabi gets back and turns it down to deep mid wicket for one

15.1

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, tossed up on the off, Nabi defends it solidly

14.6

Hafeez to Sadiq, SIX, Sadiq is visibly growing in confidence, every now and then he gets the big stroke out and executes them perfectly, this one is no different, skips down the track, plays it with the turn and sends it well over the mid wicket fence

14.5

Hafeez to Sadiq, no run, skidding on again, Sadiq tries to push it on the offside but is beaten

14.4

Hafeez to Sadiq, 2 runs, going straight on, Sadiq looks to punch it on the offside but gets a thick edge, Ajmal races after it and keeps them down to two

14.3

Hafeez to Sadiq, no run, pitched up and straight, Sadiq defends it well on the frontfoot

14.2

Hafeez to Nabi, 1 run, turning in and on the middle and leg, Nabi turns it softly in the backward square leg area for a quick single

14.1

Hafeez to Sadiq, 1 run, slow turn in, Sadiq gets back and eases it down to long on

13.6

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, tossed up and outside off, Nabi stretches forward and blocks it solidly

13.5

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, 1 run, full and on the leg, Sadiq turns it down to fine leg for another easy single

13.4

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Nabi works it softly past square leg and gets off the mark

13.3

Shahid Afridi to Nabi, no run, 131.2 kph from Shahid Afridi, Nabi plays it well though, taps it to mid on

Mohammad Nabi, right handed bat, comes to the crease

13.2

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, out Bowled!! Ugly slog across the line and the captain perishes, nicely flighted by Shahid Afridi, pitches on the middle and leg and skids through past the bat to crash into middle, Shahid Afridi is delighted. Mangal b Shahid Afridi 11(17) [4s-2]

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

13.1

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, 1 run, given some air, Sadiq slaps it down to long on once more for just a single

12.6

Hafeez to Mangal, no run, tossed up and on the off, Mangal defends it watchfully

12.5

Hafeez to Mangal, FOUR, Not a great effort from Ajmal at short third man, Mangal skips down the track and tries to smash it over long off but the thick edge flies quickly and to the left of Ajmal who slides over it

12.4

Hafeez to Sadiq, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, Sadiq gets down on one knee and sweeps it hard to deep backward square leg

12.3

Hafeez to Mangal, 1 run, tossed up and on the off, Mangal comes on the frontfoot and punches it nicely to long on

12.2

Hafeez to Mangal, no run, floated up and on the off, Mangal taps it softly back to Hafeez

12.1

Hafeez to Mangal, no run, very straight, Mangal punches it down the track

11.6

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, no run, flat and straight, Sadiq gets behind the line and plays it back to Shahid Afridi

11.5

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, 1 run, tossed up googly and outside off, Mangal picked it early and guides it to the right of point for a quick single

11.4

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, no run, flatter and on the off, Mangal stretches forward and blocks well

11.3

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, no run, flighted delivery and well outside off, Mangal taps it gently to point

11.2

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, 1 run, very straight in line, Sadiq gets back and punches it firmly to long on

11.1

Shahid Afridi to Sadiq, no run, skidding on an on the off, Sadiq gets back and punches it to cover

10.6

Hafeez to Mangal, no run, nicely tossed up once more by Hafeez, Mangal guides it straight to point

10.5

Hafeez to Mangal, no run, given a lot of air this time, Mangal defends it watchfully once more

10.4

Hafeez to Mangal, no run, flighted again, Mangal pushes it back to Hafeez

10.3

Hafeez to Sadiq, 1 run, on the off, Sadiq comes on the frontfoot and punches it down to long on

10.2

Hafeez to Mangal, 1 run, pitched up and on the middle and leg, Mangal works it wide of square leg for another easy single

10.1

Hafeez to Sadiq, 1 run, floated up and outside off, Sadiq taps it in the vacant area square on the offside for an easy single

10.1

Hafeez to Sadiq, wide, Hafeez turns it down the legside, easy call for the umpire

Mohammad Hafeez, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

9.6

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, no run, very full, Mangal watches it well and is happy to defend once more

9.5

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, no run, tossed up and on the off, Mangal defends it solidly

9.4

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, FOUR, tossed up googly again, well outside off though and Mangal stretches out and drives it with a flourish through cover, fine way to get off the mark

9.3

Shahid Afridi to Mangal, no run, Appeal for an lbw straightaway but the umpire is not interested, the googly and he stretches down but plays down the wrong line, struck in front of leg and would have been going further down

Nowroz Mangal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

9.2

Shahid Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, out Caught by Shafiq!! Brilliant catch from Shafiq at point, the tossed up googly and Mohammad Shahzad reaches out to loft it on the offside, does not time it too well, it was still flying well over Shafiq but he leaps up and snatches it before tumbling down, Shahid Afridi strikes off just his second delivery. Mohammad Shahzad c Shafiq b Shahid Afridi 20(17) [4s-3 6s-1]

Shahid Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

9.1

Shahid Afridi to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, skidding on and just outside off, Mohammad Shahzad cuts it straight to point

Shahid Afridi, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

8.6

Ajmal to Sadiq, no run, pitched up, Sadiq skips down and hits it straight to the fielder at mid off

8.5

Ajmal to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, tossed up, Mohammad Shahzad tries a massive hoick over mid wicket but gets a thick inside edge to short fine leg, just a single

Ajmal to Mohammad Shahzad, SIX, Whoa! Whoa! Ajmal is reverse swept for maximum! Ajmal has a bewildered look on his face, this is a massive blow from Mohammad Shahzad, sees the flighted delivery and skips away and slogs it disdainfully over point

8.2

Ajmal to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, pitched up and on the off, Mohammad Shahzad comes on the frontfoot and guides it to point

8.1

Ajmal to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, LBW appeal straightaway but it is turned down, floated up and turning in from outside off, Mohammad Shahzad strides forward to defend but plays down the wrong line, too much turn though, would have gone down the legside

Saeed Ajmal, right-arm off break, comes into the attack. This will be a big test for both batsmen.

7.6

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Mohammad Shahzad turns it firmly down to fine leg for just a single, retains the strike with that run

7.5

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, No respect shown for the Pakistan bowlers, slightly fuller and Mohammad Shahzad smashes it over mid on for the third consecutive boundary, the crowd is loving it

7.4

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, Riaz finds the edge but no one at slip to take that, slanted across and Mohammad Shahzad went for the drive, third man had no chance of getting to it

7.3

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, Mohammad Shahzad finds the gap through mid wicket finally, timed beautifully too, it was no more than a punch but raced across the ground, on the middle and leg and he was in very good position to play that shot

7.2

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, the same delivery from Riaz and Mohammad Shahzad plays the same shot to mid wicket

7.1

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, very straight, Mohammad Shahzad is stuck to the crease as he turns it to mid wicket

6.6

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, very full and outside off, Sadiq gets back and digs it out to point

Misbah, Afridi and Gul have a mini conference at the end of the delivery. Sadiq's confident display has forced them to re-think their strategies a bit.

6.5

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, Umar Gul goes wider off the crease and keeps it well outside off, Sadiq throws the kitchen sink at this one too but does not make any contact

6.4

Umar Gul to Sadiq, 2 runs, slightly shorter and Sadiq goes for the pull immediately, miscues it completely though but luckily for him it goes well over mid wicket, gets him a couple

6.3

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, catch dropped by Younis Khan at mid wicket, a sitter and he spills it much to Umar Gul's agony, full and angled in, Sadiq whipped it hard and straight to Younis who gets both hands to it but does not latch on

6.2

Umar Gul to Sadiq, SIX, Massive blow from Sadiq, confidently done, it was almost as if he was expecting it, sees the pitched up delivery, a slower one too but he picked it very early, comes on the frontfoot and smashes it over long on

6.1

Umar Gul to Sadiq, 2 runs, angled in and on the middle and leg, Sadiq waits for it to reach him and rolls his wrists over to send it through square leg, another easy couple

5.6

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, good length and on the off, Mohammad Shahzad tries to work it on the onside but misses and is hit on the thigh

5.5

Riaz to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Riaz maintains the same line, Mohammad Shahzad tries to run it down to third man but is too early into the shot, ends up chopping it down the track

5.4

Riaz to Sadiq, 1 run, pitched up and just outside off, Sadiq punches it wide of mid off without any footwork but gets a quick single

5.3

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, just outside off, Sadiq gets back and pushes it to point

5.2

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, full and wide outside off, Sadiq slashes at it but misses

5.1

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, outside off, Sadiq taps it to point

4.6

Umar Gul to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, good length and just outside off, Mohammad Shahzad opens the face and guides it to point

4.5

Umar Gul to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, full and outside off, Mohammad Shahzad leans forward and punches it to cover

4.4

Umar Gul to Ali Zadran, out Caught&Bowled!! Very soft dismisal, full and slanting in, Ali Zadran was trying to turn it on the onside but it stops on him and he ends up chipping it gently down the track, Umar Gul accepts the simple chance with glee, Ali Zadran walks off a very disappointed man. Ali Zadran c and b Umar Gul 9(8) [4s-1]

4.3

Umar Gul to Sadiq, 1 run, room outside off, Sadiq eases it down to third man once more for an easy single

4.2

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, on the leg, Sadiq misses the glance but kisses Sadiq's pads and Akmal makes a good stop to stop a certain boundary

4.1

Umar Gul to Sadiq, 2 runs, some width outside off, Sadiq waits for it and steers it past point and well wide of third man, Ajmal races across and dives to save two, very good effort that

3.6

Riaz to Ali Zadran, no run, very straight in line, Ali Zadran stays back and taps it to mid wicket

3.5

Riaz to Ali Zadran, 2 runs, on the middle and leg, Ali Zadran gets behind the line and works it past mid wicket, excellent timing too and gets him an easy couple

3.4

Riaz to Sadiq, 1 run, some room outside off, Sadiq stays back and runs it down to third man for an easy single

3.3

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, on the fuller side, Sadiq presses forward and punches it to cover

3.2

Riaz to Sadiq, FOUR, Agression from Sadiq, skips down the track and slaps it past mid off for a boundary, that will not please Riaz one bit but should give a lot of confidence for Sadiq

3.1

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, pitched up and outside off, Sadiq leans out and punches it to point, Hafeez makes a good stop and prevents them the single

2.6

Umar Gul to Ali Zadran, no run, angled in, Ali Zadran stays back and punches it to mid on

2.5

Umar Gul to Ali Zadran, FOUR, very full and drifting onto middle and leg, Ali Zadran stays still and flicks it neatly through square leg, has enough on it to reach the fence, first boundary for Ali Zadran

2.4

Umar Gul to Sadiq, 1 run, the slower one now, Sadiq turns it in front of square leg and scampers through for a quick single

2.3

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, good length and just outside off, Sadiq tries to cut but it mistimes it to cover

2.2

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, good length and on the off, Sadiq gets behind the line and blocks it solidly

2.1

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, slanted in, Sadiq presents a straight bat and pushes it to mid on

1.6

Riaz to Ali Zadran, no run, full and on the off, Ali Zadran bends forward and pushes it to mid off

1.5

Riaz to Ali Zadran, no run, good length and just outside off, Ali Zadran opens the face and steers it to point

1.4

Riaz to Sadiq, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Sadiq slashes at it and gets a thick outside edge, flies down to third man and Sadiq gets one for it

1.3

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, good length and on the off, Sadiq gets behind the line nicely and blocks solidly

1.2

Riaz to Sadiq, no run, very full again, Sadiq presses forward and pushes it down the track, Riaz stretches across and deflects it to mid off

1.1

Riaz to Ali Zadran, 3 runs, Ali Zadran gets off the mark straightaway, nice punch on the up through cover as Riaz pitches it up, Afridi races after it and pulls it in with a good slide

0.6

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, on the leg, Sadiq turns it gently to mid wicket

0.5

Umar Gul to Sadiq, FOUR, First runs for Afghanistan and Sadiq, full and drifting in, Sadiq flicks it nicely off the pads and in the gap through mid wicket for a boundary

0.4

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, good length again, draws Sadiq forward as he defends it to cover

0.3

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, very full and on the off, Sadiq gets behind the line nicely, presses forward and pushes it back to Umar Gul

0.2

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, good length and on the off, Sadiq stands tall and pushes it to cover

0.1

Umar Gul to Sadiq, no run, pitched up and moving away, Sadiq leans forward and tries to push it on the offside but is beaten, goes on the second bounce to the keeper

Sadiq and Ali Zadran are at the crease. Sadiq is on strike. Umar Gul will open the attack

Pakistan go in with a full strength team. Shoaib Malik gets a chance too and he will be looking to make it count.

Misbah: We wanted to bat first but they won the toss. We have changes from the Test team. Lot of changes according to the format of the game. It's a really good thing to play against teams like Afghanistan.

Mangal: It's a big occasion for us. We will go out to bat first and look to bat without any pressure.

Afghanistan have won the toss and elected to bat

Welcome everyone. Big day for Afghanistan today. This is the first time they will be playing an ODI against a Test playing nation. They've done exceedingly well in the ICC tournaments for associate and affiliate nations and are sure to produce something exciting today against Pakistan. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates.

Preview by Shashreek Roy

After a spectacular Test series against England, Pakistan will now look to shift gears as they continue to hunt for success in the One Day International format. Before a four match ODI series against England, the hosts will look to flex their muscles and get themselves warmed up with an ODI at the Sharjah Stadium against their neighbours, Afghanistan. While Pakistan will look at it as a chance to get their combination right for the future series, Afghanistan will certainly want to prove a point to the ICC who recently expressed their desire to exclude Associate nations from World Cups after 2015.

Pakistan:

This Pakistan outfit seems to have become the talk of the town after a quite remarkable 12 months that saw them winning 21 out of the 26 ODIs that they played. In this period Pakistan also had a fabulous run in the 2011 World Cup as they went as far as the semi final. One would be living in a fool's paradise if they thought that Pakistan was anything but the favourites to win this one off ODI against the Afghans.

Saeed Ajmal, who just recorded his highest number of wickets in a Test series, will be looking to extend his run of form with the ball into the ODIs. If that isn't a big enough threat for the opposition, Pakistan's ODI squad will be bolstered with the inclusion of Shahid Afridi. The leg spinner, who also holds a serious reputation for being able to clear any ground in the world, has been quite prolific with the ball in recent times. In the past year Afridi has picked up 41 wickets in 21 ODIs at an average of just 17.97 and this also includes four five wicket hauls.

Historically, Pakistan has always been considered a side far greater in quality with the ball than with the bat. This squad too has the makings of a fine bowling unit with a good blend of seamers and tweakers. As far as the batting goes, the likes of Azhar Ali, Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez seem to bring a lot to the table and look to be in good touch after finishing up as the three highest run scorers in the Test series against England.

All eyes will be on Shoaib Malik though, as he has been quite inconsistent with the bat in recent times but has been given a lifeline by being included for this ODI and the series against England. The former Pakistan skipper will be keen on getting amongst the runs and sealing a place in the playing eleven against England. This one off ODI will also be a good opportunity for Pakistan to try out someone like Hammad Azam who till date has played just three innings for his country.

Afghanistan:

Afghanistan are all set to play their first ever ODI against a Test playing nation and although they have nothing to lose they sure do have a lot to prove. This side will obviously look at the match as a huge learning experience, but at the same time it would also be a good opportunity for Afghanistan to show the world what they are worth.

The last time Afghanistan played on a world platform was in the 2010 ICC Twenty20 World Cup. The side then looked nowhere close to being at par with the big guns, but a lot has changed in the past two years. Afghanistan has grown to become one of the strongest teams amongst the Associate nations and the inclusion of three Afghan players in the ICC Combined Associate and Affiliate XI that nearly came up on top against England XI is proof of that fact.

Wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad who ended up making the most amount of runs for the ICC Combined team in the game against England XI is the man to look out for when Afghanistan takes on Pakistan. A side buoyed by talent, courtesy Mohammad Nabi and Hamid Hassan, Afghanistan can certainly put up a decent performance. Although the task of beating Pakistan may seem an impossible one, the task of competing fiercely may not. What Afghanistan will not want though, is to be completely overpowered and blown away by Pakistan, for if that happens then it just gives ICC a thumbs up on excluding Associates from World Cups after 2015.

Final Word:

Pakistan clearly go into this match as favourites and with form on their side they certainly are the front runners to come out on top in this clash. Afghanistan on the other hand will look to gain a lot from this experience and although they could very easily come out 2nd best in the contest, they could still go onto prove to the World that international cricket is where they belong.